Notice (8): Undefined index: SpecialFeature [APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 63]Code Context<?phpif($article['Article']['is_lead_article']){$link = array('plugin' => '','controller'=>'featuresite','action'=>'leadarticle','id'=>$special_feature['SpecialFeature']['id'],'url'=>$special_feature['SpecialFeature']['url'],'article_id'=>$article['Article']['id']);$viewFile = '/home/u663623892/domains/old.gmipost.com/public_html/app/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'debugToolbarPanels' => array( 'history' => array( 'content' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'elementName' => 'history_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ), 'session' => array( 'content' => null, 'elementName' => 'session_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ), 'request' => array( 'content' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'elementName' => 'request_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ), 'sql_log' => array( 'content' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'elementName' => 'sql_log_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ), 'timer' => array( 'content' => null, 'elementName' => 'timer_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ), 'log' => array( 'content' => object(DebugKitLog) {}, 'elementName' => 'log_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ), 'variables' => array( 'content' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'elementName' => 'variables_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ), 'environment' => array( 'content' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'elementName' => 'environment_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ), 'include' => array( 'content' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'elementName' => 'include_panel', 'plugin' => 'DebugKit', 'title' => null, 'disableTimer' => true ) ), 'debugToolbarJavascript' => array( 'libs' => 'DebugKit./js/js_debug_toolbar' ), 'debugToolbarCss' => array( (int) 0 => 'DebugKit./css/debug_toolbar.css' ), 'special_feature' => array( 'allArticles' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 2 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 3 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 4 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 5 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 6 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 7 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 8 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 9 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => null, 'type_id' => '3', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => true, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => null, 'special_feature_id' => null, 'name' => null, 'url' => null, 'is_active' => null ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order'include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 63 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => null, 'type_id' => '3', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => true, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => null, 'special_feature_id' => null, 'name' => null, 'url' => null, 'is_active' => null ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order'include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 63 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Backbone of the American economy
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20489', 'title' => 'Japan's Advocate in the Midwest', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'japans-advocate-in-the-midwest', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Minnesota, Walter Mondale, Japan-American Society', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure> <p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p> <p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p> <p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p> <p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p> <p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p> <p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p> <p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p> <p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure> <p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p> <p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p> <p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p> <p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p> <p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p> <p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p> <p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p> <p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. 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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure> <p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p> <p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p> <p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p> <p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p> <p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p> <p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p> <p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p> <p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure> <p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p> <p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p> <p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p> <p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p> <p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p> <p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p> <p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p> <p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '1', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '72', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4134', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '72', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Walter Mondale', 'url' => 'walter-mondale', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'leadarticle', 'id' => null, 'url' => null, 'article_id' => '20488' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
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<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
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<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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/special-feature/72/walter-mondale.html">Walter Mondale
Dec 29, 2014
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-MONDALE.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan</figcaption></figure>
<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
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<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Before becoming the vice president under <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter" target="_blank">President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">Walter Mondale</a> served as senator from his native Min­nesota from 1964 to 1976. Following a return to private law practice in his home state, Mondale was enlisted back to public life when he was appointed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williamjclinton" target="_blank">President Bill Clinton</a> as am­bassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.</p>
<p>The former vice presi­dent spoke of why ties must grow between Japan and the Midwest in a brief interview with <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a>, which served as daily reading while he was ambassador and re­garded “the conduit to people like me to learn about Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On Minnesota’s ties with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the relationship is excellent. We don’t have a large Japa­nese population here, but we have a wonderful <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan-America Society here in Minnesota</a> and we have a very close working re­lationship with the <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago</a>. We stay very close, through our <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>, with people that work with Japan.”</p>
<p><strong>On the similarities with Japanese:</strong></p>
<p>“I think the Japanese who would come here would feel very comfortable in Minnesota. We have a very similar, strong cul­ture. We are responsible, we make good friends and we value those friendships. We believe in education and helping our kids get started. All the things that they would want as a part of the culture of business, I think we fit.”</p>
<p><strong>On the expanding relationship with Japan:</strong></p>
<p>“I always want to see more business investment going both ways. I would also like to see more emphasis on student ex­changes. Through the Japan-America Society, we have stu­dent exchange programs. These young Minnesotans who go there for a year or two, come back having learned about Japan. They’re excited about it, and I think they’ll spend their lives showing a special interest for Japan. So we need more of that, both ways. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Japan's Advocate in the Midwest
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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Minnesota that reveal the deep and abiding similarities with the people of Japan. Minnesotans possess Midwestern values of family, the importance of relationship building, individual responsibility, personal integrity and the value of education.”</p> <p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img class="align-right" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-US-JASCO-Aki-head-shot-high-res.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“(There are) logistical and geographical advantages; readily available land to build; friendly and open-minded people; the Midwestern values (family-focused, hardworking ethic); and its political value.”</p> <p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p> <p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>', 'content' => '<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Boardroom-Van-Lierop.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“It is the people of Minnesota that reveal the deep and abiding similarities with the people of Japan. Minnesotans possess Midwestern values of family, the importance of relationship building, individual responsibility, personal integrity and the value of education.”</p> <p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img class="align-right" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-US-JASCO-Aki-head-shot-high-res.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“(There are) logistical and geographical advantages; readily available land to build; friendly and open-minded people; the Midwestern values (family-focused, hardworking ethic); and its political value.”</p> <p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. 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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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Minnesotans possess Midwestern values of family, the importance of relationship building, individual responsibility, personal integrity and the value of education.”</p> <p><strong>- J. 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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Boardroom-Van-Lierop.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“It is the people of Minnesota that reveal the deep and abiding similarities with the people of Japan. Minnesotans possess Midwestern values of family, the importance of relationship building, individual responsibility, personal integrity and the value of education.”</p>
<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="align-right" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-US-JASCO-Aki-head-shot-high-res.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“(There are) logistical and geographical advantages; readily available land to build; friendly and open-minded people; the Midwestern values (family-focused, hardworking ethic); and its political value.”</p>
<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<p> </p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
'content' => '<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Boardroom-Van-Lierop.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“It is the people of Minnesota that reveal the deep and abiding similarities with the people of Japan. Minnesotans possess Midwestern values of family, the importance of relationship building, individual responsibility, personal integrity and the value of education.”</p>
<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="align-right" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-US-JASCO-Aki-head-shot-high-res.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“(There are) logistical and geographical advantages; readily available land to build; friendly and open-minded people; the Midwestern values (family-focused, hardworking ethic); and its political value.”</p>
<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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)include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 79
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224
View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418
include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
Notice (8): Undefined index: SpecialFeature [APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 79]Code Context <div class="article-head clearfix">
<h5>
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Boardroom-Van-Lierop.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“It is the people of Minnesota that reveal the deep and abiding similarities with the people of Japan. Minnesotans possess Midwestern values of family, the importance of relationship building, individual responsibility, personal integrity and the value of education.”</p>
<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<p><img class="align-right" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-US-JASCO-Aki-head-shot-high-res.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“(There are) logistical and geographical advantages; readily available land to build; friendly and open-minded people; the Midwestern values (family-focused, hardworking ethic); and its political value.”</p>
<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
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<p> </p>
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<p><img class="align-right" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-US-JASCO-Aki-head-shot-high-res.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“(There are) logistical and geographical advantages; readily available land to build; friendly and open-minded people; the Midwestern values (family-focused, hardworking ethic); and its political value.”</p>
<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<p> </p>
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224
View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418
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View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
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Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
/ Notice (8): Undefined index: SpecialFeature [APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 81]Code Context <a href="<?php echo $this->Html->url(array('plugin' => '','controller'=>'featuresite','action'=>'view','id'=>$special_feature['SpecialFeature']['id'],'url'=>$special_feature['SpecialFeature']['url'])); ?>"><?php echo $special_feature['SpecialFeature']['title']; ?></a>
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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<p><img class="align-right" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-FILLER-US-JASCO-Aki-head-shot-high-res.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“(There are) logistical and geographical advantages; readily available land to build; friendly and open-minded people; the Midwestern values (family-focused, hardworking ethic); and its political value.”</p>
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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/special-feature/71/midwest-boardroom.html">From the Boardroom
Dec 29, 2014
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p><strong>- J. Bernard van Lierop, Executive Director, <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Akisa Fukuzawa, Executive Director, <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO)</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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<p><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/Toomajian.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" />“We choose to be in Ohio because it is a great place to do business. The cost of living is cheaper and the educational opportunities are spectacular so we can attract high quality employees for our business.”</p>
<p><strong>- Marty Toomajian, President, <a href="http://www.battelle.org" target="_blank">Battelle Energy, Health & Environment</a> </strong> </p>',
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure> <p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p> <p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p> <p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p> <p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p> <p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p> <p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p> <p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure> <p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p> <p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p> <p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p> <p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p> <p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p> <p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p> </blockquote> <p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p> <p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure> <p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p> <p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p> <p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p> <p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p> <p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p> <p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p> <p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure> <p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p> <p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p> <p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p> <p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p> <p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p> <p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p> </blockquote> <p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p> <p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '63', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4123', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '63', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Illinois', 'url' => 'illinois', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'midwest-boardroom', 'article_id' => '20490', 'article_url' => 'what-makes-the-midwest-a-good-place-for-business' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure> <p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p> <p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p> <p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p> <p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p> <p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p> <p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p> <p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure> <p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p> <p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p> <p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p> <p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p> <p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p> <p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p> </blockquote> <p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p> <p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure> <p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p> <p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p> <p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p> <p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p> <p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p> <p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p> <p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure> <p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p> <p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p> <p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p> <p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p> <p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p> <p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p> </blockquote> <p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p> <p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. 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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
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<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
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<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Nigel-Blakeway_2_8-x-10.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway</figcaption></figure>
<p>With 26 companies stretching from Sao Paulo to Toronto and approximately 1.2 billion dollars in revenue, <a href="http://omron.com/" target="_blank">OMRON’s</a> business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Ameri­cas from when it started in the U.S. Midwest 41 years ago.</p>
<p>Four out of OMRON’s five global busi­nesses are now located in the United States, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare and automotive.</p>
<p>According to OMRON Automation & Safety Americas Region Chief Executive Officer Nigel Blakeway, the first non-Japanese to oversee the entire business in the Americas, one of the keys to OMRON’s success has been its commitment to, and investment in, the Midwest business community.</p>
<p>“The network that supports us in the Midwest has been tremendously collaborative, which is often different from other regions in the United States. We are extremely blessed to have a consul general like Masaharu Yoshi­da, who is very outgoing and progressive, and have organizations like <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/">JETRO Chicago</a> — led by Ichiro Sone — which have truly supported us,” said Blakeway, who is also a board mem­ber of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>“We have also made sure to give back to the society we are working in, which is why, I think, OMRON has been accepted so well in the Midwest,” he added.</p>
<p>Another reason for OMRON’s success in the United States stems from the “re-shor­ing” of its many customers, which moved manufacturing back to the United States from lower-wage countries after decades abroad. With OMRON’s help, manufacturers were able to replicate their production lines in a short time to take advantage of market changes.</p>
<p>“There is much more confidence in the U.S. economy to invest in capital, particularly in manufacturing. That is a really positive sign and is our sweet spot, as we are able to offer automation solutions coming from our strong Kyoto DNA,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>In a few years, OMRON wants to transform its identity from being a maker of quality automation equipment to becoming a producer of fully integrated automation solutions.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-OMRON-Omron-at-Greenspoint-.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">OMRON's headquarters in Illinois</figcaption></figure>
<p>“We have been strong in components, especially in automation and in safety. Now, the market is asking us to holistically put that all together. Our customers are now asking for solutions that involve connectivity to third-party manufactured products. So, it is about how we get our controllers to interface with someone else’s robotic arm. Although histori­cally we haven’t done that, our future will be as an automation solutions provider,” Blakeway said.</p>
<p>Innovation will be key to the growth of OMRON, a world leader in automation that was named by <a href="http://top100innovators.com/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators in 2013</a>.</p>
<p>With an 80-plus year track record of inno­vation, seven percent of Omron’s corporate revenues are directed toward research and development.</p>
<p>Additionally, following the concept of “gemba” — gathering on-the-manufacturing-­floor data from where value is created for the customer — OMRON’s engineers are con­tinuously leading new technology develop­ment, regardless of the field.</p>
<p>In recent years, OMRON has built an auto­mation lab at a university and invested in the Midwest’s education and engineering sectors by establishing internship programs to contribute to a dynamic environment of innova­tion. These programs are why the company has consistently been voted as one the top 101 employers in Illinois.</p>
<p>“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset. What is of utmost impor­tance to us is to send that signal to the mar­ket, our customer base, our employee base and to the colleges and universities that are part of our future that we are here to stay,” Blakeway said.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“OMRON invests in its future by ensuring sustainability because our human capital is our biggest asset."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In line with its core value of giving back to society, Blakeway is very proud of the con­tributions of the OMRON Foundation, Inc., which receives 0.1 percent of the company’s sales and distributes these funds to support education, disaster relief and local charities.</p>
<p>“I’m blessed because I am one of the few guys that goes out to work every morning looking forward to the day ahead of him. I work for OMRON because of who they are. Even though our first responsibility is to our stakeholders, the fact that we have managed to strike a balance between being profitable and still having time to contribute makes it easy for us,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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OMRON: Growth and Generosity in America
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Yaskawa American Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Ogawa</figcaption></figure> <p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p> <p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p> <p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p> <p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p> <p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p> <p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p> <p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p> <p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p> <p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p> <p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-YASKAWA-OGAWA.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Yaskawa American Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Ogawa</figcaption></figure> <p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p> <p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p> <p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p> <p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p> <p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p> <p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. 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They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p> <p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p> <p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '63', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4123', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '63', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Illinois', 'url' => 'illinois', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'illinois', 'article_id' => '20491', 'article_url' => 'growth-and-generosity-in-america' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Yaskawa American Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Ogawa</figcaption></figure> <p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p> <p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p> <p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p> <p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p> <p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p> <p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p> <p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p> <p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p> <p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p> <p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-YASKAWA-OGAWA.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Yaskawa American Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Ogawa</figcaption></figure> <p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p> <p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p> <p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p> <p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p> <p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p> <p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p> <p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p> <p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p> <p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p> <p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '63', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4123', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '63', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Illinois', 'url' => 'illinois', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'illinois', 'article_id' => '20491', 'article_url' => 'growth-and-generosity-in-america' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-YASKAWA-OGAWA.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Yaskawa American Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Ogawa</figcaption></figure>
<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-YASKAWA-OGAWA.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Yaskawa American Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Ogawa</figcaption></figure>
<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-YASKAWA-OGAWA.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Yaskawa American Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Ogawa</figcaption></figure>
<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>When he was assigned by <a href="http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Yaskawa Corp</a>. to the U.S. sub­sidiary in the Midwest follow­ing the global financial fall­out in 2010, Masahiro Ogawa recognized an opportunity.</p>
<p>While manufacturers across the country were downsizing and cutting investment in capital equipment, <a href="https://www.yaskawa.com/pycprd/home" target="_blank">Yaskawa America</a>, through its automation tech­nologies, was in a unique posi­tion to help reverse its clients’ troubles.</p>
<p>Four years later, Yaskawa America, which has operated in the United States for 47 years, saw its revenue surge 50 per­cent, from $400 million to $600 million.</p>
<p>Yaskawa, which will be cel­ebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, is the world’s largest manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion controls and robotics automation systems.</p>
<p>In the United States, Yaskawa America’s <a href="http://www.motoman.com/" target="_blank">Motoman robotics business</a> supports the recovery of the automotive sector, while its motion business works close­ly with its machine tool and semiconductor customers.</p>
<p>“I have spent a lot of time encouraging more collabora­tion between our motion and robot divisions. There is strong potential for new business in robotics and ease of use is key in promoting robotics. We have to change the process to make it more efficient and seamless, with one interface, one plat­form and one human machine interface,” said Ogawa, Yaskawa America’s chairman and chief executive officer and a veteran in robotics.</p>
<p>Since his arrival, Yaskawa America has acquired three companies. In July, it bought photovoltaic inverter company <a href="http://www.solectria.com/" target="_blank">Solectria Renewables</a>.</p>
<p>“Acquisition is very significant for our business because it’s how we expand our channels. The acquisition of Solectria, allowed us to acquire a business that al­ready had a brand position. They will help us grow because of synergies that we will acquire on the technological side,” he said.</p>
<p>Supported by such acquisi­tions, Yaskawa America hopes to achieve sales of $1 billion dollars in the coming years across its territory, which stretches across the Americas.</p>
<p>“Yaskawa America leads our global business effort. What happens here has effects everywhere else. If Yaskawa America is more successful, then our global business will become more successful,” he said. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Yaskawa finds success in crisis
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20493', 'title' => 'Illinois soybeans have become first choice ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'illinois-soybeans-have-become-first-choice', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Illinois, Illinois Soybean Association, Agriculture, Soybeans, ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p> <p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure> <p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p> <p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p> <p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure> <p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p> <p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p> <p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p> <p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p> <p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure> <p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p> <p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p> <p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure> <p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p> <p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p> <p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p> <p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '63', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4123', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '63', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Illinois', 'url' => 'illinois', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'illinois', 'article_id' => '20492', 'article_url' => 'yaskawa-finds-success-in-crisis' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20493', 'title' => 'Illinois soybeans have become first choice ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'illinois-soybeans-have-become-first-choice', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Illinois, Illinois Soybean Association, Agriculture, Soybeans, ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p> <p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure> <p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p> <p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p> <p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure> <p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p> <p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p> <p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p> <p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p> <p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure> <p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p> <p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p> <p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure> <p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. 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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
'description_old' => '',
'description' => '',
'credit_id' => '48',
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'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy',
'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Illinois soybeans have become first choice ',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy',
'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Dec 29, 2014
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
'description_old' => '',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>When buying Illinois-grown soybeans, customers need direct access to organizations and spe­cific individuals in the industry with which they can do business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/" target="_blank">The Illinois Soybean Associa­tion (ISA)</a> provides easy connec­tions to the state’s supply chain that has fed their continued de­mand for consistent, high-quality soybeans.</p>
<p><strong>A Soybean Leader</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Harvester.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Illinois is the largest producer of soybeans in the United States</figcaption></figure>
<p>Illinois led the United States in soybean production in 2014 for the second year in a row. The state’s central location and access to multiple transportation modes helped the ISA move soybeans quickly and efficiently across the area and around the globe.</p>
<p>All seven Class-I freight rail­roads operate in Illinois, which also has more than 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, while only two states have more miles of interstate highway. The state also leads containerized soybean shipments, with eight percent of its soybeans leaving in containers. That number is pre­dicted to increase.</p>
<p><strong>Consistent Quality</strong></p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/2-ILLINOIS/JT-USA-2014-ILLINOIS-SOYBEAN-Rob-Shaffer.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="250" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Rob Shaffer is among the state's more than 45,000 soybean growers</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since 2012, the ISA has been measuring protein and oil levels throughout the state. In 2014, the ISA was measuring quality down to the local county level.</p>
<p>The ISA is also developing a first-of-its-kind pilot program to work with seed companies to in­crease protein and oil levels in its beans as another way to provide the value customers have been demanding.</p>
<p><strong>A Smart Business Decision</strong></p>
<p>The ISA has helped connect customers to the growers, pro­cessors and shippers that pro­vided them with the consistent, reliable and high-quality soybean deliveries they have come to ex­pect from Illinois. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Illinois soybeans have become first choice
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/3-INDIANA/JT-USA-2014-AISIN-CEO-Saito.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Aisin Holdings and Aisin World Corp. of America President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito</figcaption></figure> <p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p> <p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p> <p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p> <p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p> <p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p> <p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p> <p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p> <p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p> <p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p> <p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/3-INDIANA/JT-USA-2014-AISIN-CEO-Saito.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Aisin Holdings and Aisin World Corp. of America President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito</figcaption></figure> <p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p> <p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p> <p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p> <p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p> <p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p> <p>“That’s very important to us. 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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20494', 'title' => 'For AISIN, Indiana is the place to be', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'indiana-is-the-place-to-be', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Indiana, AISIN Manufacturing USA, Masayasu Saito, Japan, Manufacturing, Investment', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/3-INDIANA/JT-USA-2014-AISIN-CEO-Saito.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Aisin Holdings and Aisin World Corp. of America President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito</figcaption></figure> <p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p> <p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p> <p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p> <p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p> <p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p> <p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p> <p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p> <p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p> <p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p> <p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. 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Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p> <p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p> <p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p> <p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p> <p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '64', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4124', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '64', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Indiana', 'url' => 'indiana', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'illinois', 'article_id' => '20493', 'article_url' => 'illinois-soybeans-have-become-first-choice' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/3-INDIANA/JT-USA-2014-AISIN-CEO-Saito.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Aisin Holdings and Aisin World Corp. of America President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito</figcaption></figure>
<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/3-INDIANA/JT-USA-2014-AISIN-CEO-Saito.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Aisin Holdings and Aisin World Corp. of America President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito</figcaption></figure>
<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/3-INDIANA/JT-USA-2014-AISIN-CEO-Saito.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Aisin Holdings and Aisin World Corp. of America President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito</figcaption></figure>
<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/3-INDIANA/JT-USA-2014-AISIN-CEO-Saito.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Aisin Holdings and Aisin World Corp. of America President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito</figcaption></figure>
<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/3-INDIANA/JT-USA-2014-AISIN-CEO-Saito.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Aisin Holdings and Aisin World Corp. of America President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito</figcaption></figure>
<p>Headquartered in Indiana, automotive components manufacturer <a href="http://www.aisinworld.com/" target="_blank">Aisin World Corp. of America</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.aisin.com/" target="_blank">Aisin Group</a>, which includes 31 subsidiary companies, and nearly 13,000 employees in North America. The company has six manufacturing plants and a logistics center in Indiana, making the state the nerve center of Aisin operations in the region.</p>
<p>Parent company, Aisin Seiki, the fifth-largest tier-one auto supplier in the world, established <a href="http://www.aisinusa.com/" target="_blank">Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc.</a> in Seymour, Indiana, and began production here in 1987, stated President and Chief Executive Officer Masayasu Saito.</p>
<p>“The company located its headquarters in Indiana due to its logistical advantages and business-friendly environment,” he added.</p>
<p>And for nearly 30 years of doing business in this manufacturing hub, Saito and Aisin have nurtured strong relationships with the <a href="http://www.in.gov/gov/" target="_blank">Office of the Governor</a> and the <a href="http://www.jcidc.com/" target="_blank">Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.</a> as it contributes to efforts that promote the state’s economy.</p>
<p>“We have learned that in Indiana, the counties and cities work together to actively promote and attract businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“That’s very important to us. Also, many of our suppliers are also located alongside Interstate 65, and the number of these companies is believed to grow in the near future.”</p>
<p>In the last three years, Aisin subsidiaries in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have also exhibited robust growth in terms of revenue and production capacity. Additionally, Aisin’s sunroof factory in Illinois has exceeded forecasts, a trend reflected at many of its locations.</p>
<p>In line with its long-term plan, labeled “<a href="http://www.aisin.com/csr/message/" target="_blank">Aisin’s 2020 Vision</a>” the company, which manufactures brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrains, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportations systems, hopes to achieve sales of $3 billion in North America by 2020.</p>
<p>“We expect that our North American businesses will grow even more in the future,” said Saito.</p>
<p>“Despite some risks, our consolidated sales have exceeded $2.4 billion in a brisk market with well over 16 million vehicles sold annually. So, Indiana, and the North American region are extremely important to Aisin’s global operations.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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For AISIN, Indiana is the place to be
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2015-01-29', 'category_id' => '1', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '65', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4127', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '65', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Kentucky', 'url' => 'kentucky', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'indiana', 'article_id' => '20494', 'article_url' => 'indiana-is-the-place-to-be' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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), (int) 16 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 17 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 18 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 19 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 20 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 21 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 22 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 23 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 24 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 25 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 26 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 27 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 28 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 29 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 30 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 31 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 32 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 33 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 34 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 35 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 36 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 37 => array( [maximum 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relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2015-01-29', 'category_id' => '1', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '65', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4127', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '65', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Kentucky', 'url' => 'kentucky', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'indiana', 'article_id' => '20494', 'article_url' => 'indiana-is-the-place-to-be' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Kentucky’s economic ties with Japan are thriving, thanks to a decades-long relation­ship with the Japanese business commu­nity.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a> and members of his economic development team recently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/14/kentucky-gov-beshear-heads-for-japan.html" target="_blank">visited the country to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for Japanese investment.</a> </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img class="align-left" src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-KENTUCKY-EDC-GovBeshear.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear </figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are very determined in our efforts to engage Japanese companies seeking to locate or expand in the United States and show them the advantages Kentucky of­fers,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During the trip, the governor met with executives of several successful Japanese businesses located in Kentucky, as well as <a href="http://www.thinkkentucky.com/" target="_blank">others considering an investment in the state</a>. It was his sixth trip to Japan since be­coming governor of Kentucky in 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the investment of these companies in Kentucky. In the last five years, Japanese-owned businesses have announced in­vestments of $1.7 billion in Kentucky. In turn, <a href="http://www.kentucky-net.com/" target="_blank">our state has a lot to offer investors in Japan and throughout Asia</a>, and we want to showcase our commitment to help­ing these companies expand their global reach,” said Beshear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The governor is working to grow what is already a strong Japanese business pres­ence in Kentucky. More than 160 Japanese facilities are in the state, employing more than 40,000 people. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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Kentucky governor strengthens ties with Japanese business
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20666', 'title' => 'CVG: An accessible, affordable hub in the Midwest ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'cvg', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport, Candace McGraw, Japan, Transport, Logistics,', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '65', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4127', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '65', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Kentucky', 'url' => 'kentucky', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'kentucky', 'article_id' => '20665', 'article_url' => 'kentucky-governor' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. 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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p style="text-align: left;">Offering more daily and nonstop flights than any other airport in the area, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/" target="_blank">Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)</a> has been named the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards_2012/rgnal_namerica.htm" target="_blank">Best Regional Airport in North America for four straight years by SkyTrax</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ninth largest cargo airport in the Unit­ed States, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/06/13/dhl-opens-super-hub-at-cvg.html?page=all" target="_blank">CVG is home to one of DHL’s three global “Super Hubs</a>,” which sorts 92 percent of the logistics giant’s total delivery ship­ments in the Americas. </p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/4-KENTUCKY/JT-USA-2014-CINCINNATI-NO-KY-INTL-AIRPORT-CandaceMcGraw.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption"> Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to its strategic location, CVG has become a preferred passenger hub in the region. In the Cincinnati Region Catchment Area, two-thirds of major markets in the country lie only 90 minutes away, while half of the U.S. population is also within an hour’s flight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Amid fierce competition, <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/about/plan" target="_blank">CVG has unveiled its 2035 Master Plan</a>, a long-term strategy aimed at making the airport among the best passenger and cargo terminals in the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://www.cvgairport.com/docs/default-source/leadership/mcgraw_bio.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw</a> regards Japan as an important component of that master plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“The Cincinnati Region Catchment Area has the eighth highest demand for Japan compared to existing Japan Gateway Markets. We would love to have a stronger relation­ship and a direct connection. We’d really like to focus on service to Japan,” said McGraw.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over the last six years, the region’s air traf­fic to Asia grew 26 percent, with Japan being the most popular Asian destination, handling 51,987 passengers every year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With four runways, CVG can carry out si­multaneous takeoffs and landings and the airport handles 45 to 50 international flights every day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We would like to work closely with our friends in Japan. There’s a natural synergy be­tween Japanese businesses and the region. The next logical step is to have direct service between the two sides. The more connectiv­ity we can offer, the happier we are to do so,” said McGraw. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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CVG: An accessible, affordable hub in the Midwest
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'Section' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'LeadArticle' => array( 'id' => '20488', 'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'backbone-of-the-american-economy', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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), (int) 16 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 17 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 18 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 19 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 20 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 21 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 22 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 23 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 24 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 25 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 26 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 27 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 28 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 29 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 30 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 31 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 32 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 33 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 34 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 35 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 36 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 37 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20669', 'title' => 'AWTEC finds success in diversity ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'awtec-finds-success-in-diversity', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Michigan, AWTEC, Aisin, EIji Kato, Automotive, Transmissions, Japan, Industry', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p> <p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure> <p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p> <p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p> <p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p> <p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p> <p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p> <p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p> <p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure> <p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p> <p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p> <p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p> <p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p> <p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p> <p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '66', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4133', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '66', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Michigan', 'url' => 'michigan', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'kentucky', 'article_id' => '20666', 'article_url' => 'cvg' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. 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style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure> <p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p> <p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p> <p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p> <p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p> <p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p> <p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p> <p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure> <p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p> <p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p> <p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p> <p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p> <p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p> <p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p> <p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p> <p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p> <p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p> <p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p> <p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p> <p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p> <p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p> <p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p> <p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p> <p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p> <p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p> <p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p> <p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p> <p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p> <p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p> <p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p> <p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p> <p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p> <p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p> <p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p> <p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p> <p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p> <p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p> <p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p> <p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p> <p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p> <p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p> <p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p> <p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p> <p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p> <p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p> <p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p> <p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p> <p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p> <p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p> <p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p> <p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p> <p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p> <p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p> <p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p> <p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p> <p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p> <p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p> <p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p> <p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p> <p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p> <p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p> <p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p> <p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p> <p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p> <p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p> <p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p> <p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p> <p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p> <p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p> <p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p> <p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p> <p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p> <p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => null, 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => null, 'section_summary_old' => '', 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depth reached] ), (int) 38 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 39 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 40 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 41 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 42 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 43 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 44 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 45 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 46 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 47 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ) ) $is_home = false $article = array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20669', 'title' => 'AWTEC finds success in diversity ', 'description_old' => '', 'description' => '', 'credit_id' => '48', 'image' => '', 'image_caption' => '', 'url' => 'awtec-finds-success-in-diversity', 'tags' => 'US Midwest, Michigan, AWTEC, Aisin, EIji Kato, Automotive, Transmissions, Japan, Industry', 'is_rss' => false, 'rss_url' => '', 'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p> <p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure> <p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p> <p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p> <p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p> <p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p> <p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p> <p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p> <p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p> <figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure> <p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p> <p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p> <p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p> <p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p> <p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p> <p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>', 'is_published' => true, 'publication_date' => '2014-12-29', 'date_issued' => '', 'created_date' => '2014-12-29', 'category_id' => '2', 'is_active' => true, 'source_id' => '3', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'section_id' => '66', 'section_summary_old' => '', 'section_summary' => '', 'section_image' => '', 'three_square_image' => '', 'six_square_image' => '', 'five_small_news_image' => '', 'culture_travel_image' => '', 'company_focus_image' => '', 'general_image' => null, 'company_focus_logo_image' => '', 'country' => 'US', 'region_id' => '4133', 'type_id' => '1', 'company' => '', 'company_url' => '', 'executive_salutation' => '', 'executive_first_name' => '', 'executive_last_name_old' => '', 'executive_last_name' => '', 'executive_position' => '', 'is_featured' => true, 'is_lead_article' => false, 'is_blog' => false, 'created_user_id' => '1', 'is_pinned' => false, 'is_intheloop' => false, 'sort_order' => '0' ), 'Section' => array( 'id' => '66', 'special_feature_id' => '24', 'name' => 'Michigan', 'url' => 'michigan', 'is_active' => true ) ) $img_path = '' $val = '0' $key = 'sort_order' $link = array( 'plugin' => '', 'controller' => 'featuresite', 'action' => 'viewsectionarticle', 'feature_id' => null, 'feature_url' => null, 'section' => 'kentucky', 'article_id' => '20666', 'article_url' => 'cvg' )include - APP/View/Elements/_article_list.ctp, line 65 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Featuresite/view.ctp, line 33 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 108
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'title' => 'Backbone of the American economy',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'tags' => 'US Midwest, United States, Japan, Trade, Business, Investment, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin ',
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'content_old' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-PHOTO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="302" /><figcaption class="image-caption">With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy </figcaption></figure>
<p>Made up of 12 states with a combined population of more than 65 million, the U.S. Midwest is the traditional heart of the country’s agriculture and heavy industry sectors, while being at the forefront in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, and insurance.</p>
<p>Some of the companies based in those states remain synonymous with the industries they dominate: <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.pg.com/en_US/" target="_blank">Procter & Gamble</a> are arguably the best examples.</p>
<p>The Midwest would not have maintained its status and increased prosperity were it not for efforts of state governments and companies, began more than 40 years ago, to build closer relationships with and lure investment from the world’s third-largest economy, Japan. Each year, both sides get together to discuss ways to strengthen that mutually beneficial partnership.</p>
<p>“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” said Ichiro Sone, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/" target="_blank">Japan External Organization (JETRO) in Chicago</a>, which oversees the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Aside from several government groups that bring American and Japanese business closer, there are numerous other private sector initiatives in the Midwest contributing to that shared mission, with the <a href="http://www.midwest-japan.org/" target="_blank">Midwest U.S.-Japan Association</a> being one of the most prominent.</p>
<p>“The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association has met for the past 46 years, and we bring together leading public and private sector global leaders to foster an atmosphere of business exchange. As a result of this annual gathering, our Midwest states have recruited considerable Japanese investment and forged global technology partnerships,” explained Executive Director Marie Gaudette.</p>
<p>With the economy on the rise again and confidence in every industry growing each year, Japan will stay the Midwest’s most important partner. Currently, the country is the third-largest foreign investor in the region, enticed by its central location, developed transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and balanced lifestyle.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-right" style="float: right;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/1-HOME%20PAGE/JT-USA-2014-LEAD-ARTICLE-CONSUL.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan in Chicago</figcaption></figure>
<p>“Midwesterners are well educated and highly skilled due to the region’s leading universities and strong focus on education. They have made the Midwest a key center for business and finance, as well as manufacturing, including vehicle assembly,” said <a href="http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/" target="_blank">Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida</a>.</p>
<p>“The people of the Midwest reflect the heart of America with its strong work ethic, sincerity, and integrity and they share a similar professionalism with the Japanese people. I have seen this firsthand as I’ve met as many people as possible across the Midwest,” Yoshida added.</p>
<p><strong>IL: The Land of Lincoln</strong></p>
<p>As the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Midwest, Illinois has developed strong ties with Japan, its second largest source of FDI. Attracted by its central location and high-caliber workforce, the subsidiaries of Japanese companies, such as <a href="http://www.takeda.com/" target="_blank">Takeda Pharmaceuticals</a> and <a href="http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/" target="_blank">Nippon Sharyo</a>, chose the state as the base for their American operations.</p>
<p>“Chicago is geographically the center and hub for transportation and logistics in the United States with a very strong transportation network across the nation. It also has very highly skilled workers with a long history of manufacturing experience,” said Mitsukuni Baba, executive director of the <a href="http://www.jaschicago.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Chicago</a>.</p>
<p>Several homegrown companies like <a href="http://ul.com/" target="_blank">safety consulting and certification company UL</a> also boast a long history with Japanese subsidiaries in the region, aside from setting up their regional headquarters in Japan.</p>
<p>“We can help Japanese manufacturers access a global market. Japan will continue to be a world leader in various types of technology. For this reason, Japan is an important market for us,” said UL Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.</p>
<p>With their agricultural goods, automotive products, and innovative technology, the twelve states of the Midwest lay the bedrock of the American economy.</p>
<p>While manufacturing has been the main industry of Illinois, technology and life sciences have also shown rapid growth in recent years.</p>
<p>“This city [Chicago] is now becoming an even more important entrepreneurial hub, particularly with its new incubator for startups,” Yoshida said.</p>
<p><strong>IN: The Crossroads of America</strong></p>
<p>Dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is traditional center of the American automotive industry, which has grown on the back of the state’s geographic and logistical advantage and huge wage-competitive and highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p>With the global emergence of Japanese carmakers in the 1980s and expansion in the United States, the state’s government worked hard to bring in these new players. Today, there are more than 240 Japanese firms dominated by automotive and automotive-related companies — operating in Indiana, making Japan the largest foreign direct investor by employment in the state.</p>
<p>For more than 30 years now, the <a href="http://iedc.in.gov/" target="_blank">Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC)</a> has remained steadfast in promoting trade and business ties with the world’s third-largest economy.</p>
<p>“Indiana and Japan are stronger together, with nearly 44,000 Hoosiers at work for Japanese companies throughout our state. In Indiana, Japanese companies gain the competitive advantage of an economy built on manufacturing skill and afford-ability. Today, Indiana’s relationship with Japan is flourishing like cherry blossoms in spring, which strengthens our economies, our businesses and our futures,” said IEDC President Eric Doden.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.subaru.com/" target="_blank">Japanese car giant Subaru</a> operates a sprawling manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, which is also one of the company’s most sophisticated facilities in North America.</p>
<p>“Like many Japanese automotive companies, Subaru chose Indiana as the location of our manufacturing plant because of the favorable business climate provided by the state government, the logistical advantage of being in the ‘center’ of the United States, and the host of suppliers that have set up in the state,” said recently appointed Subaru of America President Toshiaki Tamegai.</p>
<p><strong>KY: The Bluegrass State</strong></p>
<p>With manufacturing being the top industry in Kentucky, Japanese companies such as <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.kobeal.com/" target="_blank">Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products</a> and International Crankshaft have found it easy to establish their operations in the state.</p>
<p>“Foreign direct investment plays a very significant role in the economy of Kentucky. We have more than 430 foreign-owned companies employing 85,000 Kentuckians. The beginning of that FDI can be traced to the growing relationship with the Japanese community,” said <a href="http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear</a>.</p>
<p>Because of the support from the state government, more companies have moved to Kentucky, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for its hardworking people, convenient location and excellent infrastructure.</p>
<p>Beginning with <a href="https://www.mazakusa.com/" target="_blank">Mazak Corporation</a> four decades ago, Japanese investment in Kentucky has grown steadily and now accounts for 42 percent of total FDI.</p>
<p>“Kentucky is a business-friendly state. We consider our relationship with the businesses as a partnership. We meet with them periodically to listen. We work with them to be successful,” Beshear also said.</p>
<p>And as Japanese companies expand and increase their investments, Toyota is gearing up to start rolling out its new <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a> line from Kentucky, the Japanese carmakers first plant in North America to produce the flagship model.</p>
<p>“The people in Kentucky are very productive. They are loyal and they have a good work ethic. You are able to recruit employees for all types of positions,” said Mazak Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Papke.</p>
<p><strong>MI: The Motor Capital</strong></p>
<p>The birthplace of the world’s first mass-produced car, Michigan, for more than a century now, has maintained its position as the world’s automobile assembly line.</p>
<p>The state has naturally attracted Japanese carmakers and stimulated the growth of related industries, including OEM, R&D, technology and others.</p>
<p>Despite the recent global recession, Japanese companies stuck it out with Michigan and Japan remained the state’s No. 1 foreign investor.</p>
<p>“With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, Japan has stood alongside the state of Michigan through the successes and the challenges and we will continue to do so,” said <a href="http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank">Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit.</a></p>
<p>The state has adopted the needed measures to diversify the economy and strengthen its economic fundamentals. So, Michigan has witnessed a resurgence, as the government applies the difficult lessons of the past and improves the attractiveness of the business environment.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.michiganbusiness.org/" target="_blank">Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)</a> is preparing for the upsurge in business as a rising number of companies return to the state.</p>
<p>“As the economy grows ever rapidly, our workforce will be the deciding factor in attracting more companies into the state. The diversification of Michigan’s workforce is an area we are focused on,” said MEDC Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;">“In the Midwest, all the states welcome Japanese investment. The business development team of each state is great. They extend good support to both existing companies and newcomers. We hope to see more business exchange in the future,” - <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ichiro Sone, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>MN: The North Star State</strong></p>
<p>2015 marks the 60th anniversary of twin ties between St. Paul and Nagasaki, the oldest such relationship between an American and Japanese city. This long history only highlights the common historical thread that binds Japan and Minnesota.</p>
<p>“For over 100 years, Minnesota has been emphasizing the international dimensions of our business. We are a state that welcomes international investments and our educational system welcomes international students. We have a lot of high technology here that is of interest to the world, particularly in healthcare,” said <a href="https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Walter_Mondale.htm" target="_blank">former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale</a>, who also served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton administration.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including those of <a href="http://www.generalmills.com/" target="_blank">General Mills</a>, <a href="http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/" target="_blank">United Health Group</a>, <a href="http://www.3m.com/" target="_blank">3M</a> and <a href="http://www.medtronic.com/" target="_blank">Medtronic</a>, one of the world’s leading medical device companies.</p>
<p>“Minnesota’s economy, first and foremost, is homegrown. If you look at the Fortune 500 companies that are located here, all of them have their roots in Minnesota and grew here. That’s been a constant. These business are diverse, reflecting the overall diversity of Minnesota’s economy, which is also one of our great strengths,” said <a href="https://www.mnchamber.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Chamber of Commerce</a> Interim President Bill Blazar.</p>
<p>The state’s success is widely credited to the highly skilled labor force, paired with an outstanding support infrastructure that is conducive to economic growth.</p>
<p>“This state in particular has always invested heavily in education and workforce development, boasting world-class systems that engage all stakeholders,” explained Shaye Mandle, president of <a href="http://gmipost.com/admin/article/LifeScience%2520Alley" target="_blank">LifeScience Alley</a>, the largest state-based life sciences trade association in the United States.</p>
<p>“The modern medical device industry as we know it can be traced back to Medtronic forming. Having that here gave us that initial seed. In fact, Medtronic’s founder Earl Bakken played a significant role in building Life-Science Alley, which is now celebrating 30 years leading Minnesota’s Medical Alley,” added Mandle.</p>
<p>As both the public and private sectors continue to heavily invest in improving on Minnesota’s already formidable assets, Japanese companies have not lagged in seeing the opportunity here.</p>
<p>“Because of this infrastructure, we’ve been able to attract some big names from Japan. <a href="http://www.daikinapplied.com/" target="_blank">Daikin</a>, <a href="http://www.olympusamerica.com/" target="_blank">Olympus</a>, <a href="http://www.toray.us/" target="_blank">Toray</a>, <a href="http://www.sanken-ele.co.jp/en/index.php" target="_blank">Sanken</a>, <a href="http://www.matsuura.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Matsuura</a>, and <a href="http://www.taiyo-ltd.co.jp/eg/" target="_blank">Taiyo</a> are just a few of the Japanese businesses operating from here. These companies realized that we have the infrastructure to support not only their R&D, but also manufacturing,” said <a href="http://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/" target="_blank">Minnesota Trade Office</a> Executive Director Kathleen Motzenbecker.</p>
<p>“Now that we have a few solid Japanese household names, we hope the word will spread,” she added.</p>
<p>With two Japanese schools and a vibrant Japanese-American community, Minnesotans are confident that Japanese businesses and families would integrate rather easily.</p>
<p>“While we have a small Japanese population, it’s a very active one. It’s one that really feels committed to spreading the word and making Japan important to the community,” said <a href="http://mn-japan.org/" target="_blank">Japan America Society of Minnesota</a> Executive Director Bernard van Lierop.</p>
<p><strong>NE: The Cornhusker State</strong></p>
<p>Showing undeniable commitment to its relationship with Japan, Nebraska opened its own trade promotion office in the country.</p>
<p>“We consider our relationship with Japan a unique and special partnership. It is important that when I took over as governor in 2005, we established our first Nebraska overseas trade office in Tokyo in 2006. Opening the <a href="http://www.nebraskacenterjapan.com/index/eng.html" target="_blank">Nebraska Center in Japan</a> sent a very powerful message that we were going to invest in this relationship in a way that had never been done before. We are very proud of our Nebraska-Japan relationship,” said outgoing <a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman</a>.</p>
<p>Back in 1974, <a href="https://www.kawasakilincoln.com/" target="_blank">Kawasaki Manufacturing Corp.</a> inaugurated its plant in Lincoln, the first major Japanese motorcycle or automobile manufacturer to do so. Four decades after, the factory has consistently raised production, generating valuable jobs for Nebraskans.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nebraska has played an important role in supplying the food that Japan enjoys, particularly corn, soybeans, beef and pork.</p>
<p>“Japan seems to love American pork. It has always been an extremely important market to us. Pork is one of the dietary preferences over there and a lot of work has been done to meet the Japanese demands on cuts and products. The nation of Japan has, for many years, been very important to the United States and the State of Nebraska’s economy,” said <a href="http://www.nepork.org/default.aspx#.VKvpq4qUf3o" target="_blank">Nebraska Pork Producers Association</a> Executive Director Larry Sitzman.</p>
<p>As the relationship flourishes, opportunities for collaboration in non-agricultural sectors have also grown, with information technology displaying robust growth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.solutionary.com/" target="_blank">Solutionary Inc.</a>, a provider of managed security services, is a testament to the expanding partnership. Acquired by <a href="https://www.ntt-global.com/" target="_blank">NTT Group</a> in 2012, the Omaha-based firm continues to make significant contributions to the Japanese telecom giant’s products and services.</p>
<p><strong>OH: The Buckeye State</strong></p>
<p>If Ohio were a separate country, according to a World Bank report, the state would be the 25th-largest economy in the world. Known as the Industrial Capital of the United States, Ohio is home to the global headquarters of Procter & Gamble and more than a dozen Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>With its long-standing connection to manufacturing and finance, Ohio has drawn in dozens of companies from around the world, including those in energy, bioscience, healthcare, agriculture, iron and steel, aerospace and defense, as well as nanotechnology and robotics.</p>
<p>The state’s success is attributed to its friendly tax regime and business climate, both for big business and small startups. In fact, Ohio has consistently scored highly among various rankings conducted by business groups and media.</p>
<p>No wonder then that Honda — one of Japan’s “big three” carmakers — selected Ohio for its base in the United States. And where carmakers go, component and accessory makers follow.</p>
<p>“Japan is no doubt the largest contributor of foreign capital in the central region of Ohio,” said Akisa Fukuzawa, the executive director of <a href="http://jas-co.org/" target="_blank">Japan American Society of Central Ohio</a>.</p>
<p>Another organization that promotes investment and economic growth in Central Ohio is <a href="http://columbusregion.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Columbus 2020</a>, which works closely with state and local partners in its territory of 11 counties.</p>
<p>“There is a network here to support a very quick and efficient transition into this market place, and we are a cost-effective and friendly solution for Japanese businesses,” said Deborah Scherer, director of Global Markets for Columbus 2020.</p>
<p><strong>WI: America’s Dairyland</strong></p>
<p>While Wisconsin is widely known for its agricultural products, its strength lies in its advanced manufacturing industry. It is also seeing growth in new industries such as food and beverage, information technology and water technology.</p>
<p>“As Wisconsin is traditionally viewed as part of the world’s breadbasket, we now want to help nourish the world further through our innovations in water technology,” said <a href="http://inwisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.</a> Chief Executive Officer Reed Hall.</p>
<p>Unknown to many, Wisconsin is home to several Fortune 500 companies that do business with Japan.</p>
<p>“Japan is very important to us. It is our fifth-largest operation in the world,” said <a href="http://www.manpowergroup.com/wps/wcm/connect/manpowergroup-en/home/#.VKvrUoqUf3o" target="_blank">ManpowerGroup</a> Chief Operating Officer Darryl Green.</p>
<p>Initially drawn to Wisconsin because of its abundant water supply, <a href="http://www.kikkoman.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kikkoman</a> has been present in the state for more than four decades and is proud of its growth in and contributions to the state.</p>
<p>“Our challenge now is to educate the Pacific Rim about the opportunities here. Wisconsin has an excellent working environment due to its highly skilled workforce as well as its good transportation system and infrastructure,” said Hall.</p>
<p>With the vast opportunities that exist in the state, Wisconsin is working to attract more Japanese investment. Sharing a strict work ethic, Japanese and the Midwesterners will certainly achieve much in business.</p>
<p>“There are a number of values shared by the Midwesterners and the Japanese. Top of mind are respect for traditional values, strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” said Green. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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'content_old' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
'content' => '<p>Established in 1988, <a href="http://www.awtec.com/" target="_blank">AWTEC</a> began operations in Plymouth, Michigan to support its parent company <a href="http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aisin AW</a> (subsidiary of Aisin Seiki), by remanufac­turing automatic transmissions for Toyota vehicles throughout North America.</p>
<p>“We came to North America due to a need for our services by Toyota, but as time went on our customer base grew and the breadth of our product offerings followed.” recalled AWTEC President Eiji Kato.</p>
<figure class="image-container floated-left" style="float: left;"><img src="http://gmipost.com/img/uploads/US%20Midwest%202014/5-MICHIGAN/JT-USA-2014-AWTEC-CEO-KATO.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="500" /><figcaption class="image-caption">AWTEC President Eiji Kato</figcaption></figure>
<p>AWTEC currently serves 18 different original equipment (OE) customers, covering more than 60 vehicle models and 400 automatic transmission part numbers. Today, those OE customers include <a href="http://www.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emazda%2Ecom" target="_blank">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.suzuki.com/" target="_blank">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.toyota.com/" target="_blank">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.volvo.com/group/volvosplash-usa/en-us/Pages/volvo_splash.aspx" target="_blank">Volvo</a>.</p>
<p>Because of its growing diver­sity, and the needs of its cus­tomers, AWTEC has had to con­tinue to innovate and expand its capabilities. This, combined with an unceasing focus on qual­ity and customer service, has earned the company the respect of its customers and a number of awards.</p>
<p>As Aisin AW’s first subsid­iary in North America, AWTEC plays an important role in the future of the parent company’s global operations. It is one of the few remanufacturers of six and eight-speed transmission technologies, which have been a source of continued growth.</p>
<p>“This is a very exciting time for the company. Although we are still primarily a remanufac­turer of automatic transmis­sions, we are set to explore new areas that will present more opportunities for the business,” explained Kato.</p>
<p>Indeed, AWTEC has further expanded its capa­bilities and product offerings by starting its first ever navigation system media processing opera­tion.</p>
<p>On AWTEC’s priorities in the coming years, Kato is very clear, saying, “Quality in the service to our customers and the innovation in our technology will al­ways be our priority.” </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Originally prepared by Global Media for <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/" target="_blank">The Japan Times</a> Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/gmiphilippe" target="_blank">Philippe Le Saux</a>, <a href="https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-romualdez/5b/a11/6b0" target="_blank">Angelo Romualdez</a>, <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/in/elizabetharcega" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arcega</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-banta/99/369/699?trk=pub-pbmap" target="_blank">Brian Banta</a>)</span></p>',
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